I'm Donna and have been lurking around in the shadows for quite some time but have now decided to join the forum.
The only bookkeeping experience I have is from over 30 years ago (before computers!) when I was on an adult training scheme and took a module on double-entry bookkeeping and managed to score 100 % on the exam - I'm not super smart it was a pretty basic module . I've not really done anything else like it since. I went on to train as a nurse but after a number of years decided that I needed something else. Whilst I was deciding on which direction to take I became an assistant manager in a pub for 5 years and because the hours were awful I left to take a job driving a snack van - for another 4 1/2 years. I have procrastinated for far too long!
I have just been made redundant after furlough and this has been the ideal time to properly research what I thought I'd like to do instead of putting it off any longer! I looked at bookkeeping years ago and it is something that I keep coming back to time and time again. So I'm almost ready to bite the bullet and am researching like crazy right now just to make sure that I don't waste valuable pounds training for something that may be a non-starter. For example - an over-saturated market or less need due to small business doing it themselves to save money.
Then there's the training - I do not wish to train to accountant level. I'm 51 years old. I don't expect to be qualified in a few weeks, I'd rather spend longer studying to make sure that I know everything but am looking for a pretty direct route as I wish to be self-employed. With that in mind I am pretty set on ICB even though I realise that AAT are more widely recognised. I may be persuaded otherwise though.
Thanks for reading and I'll hopefully chat with some of you soon,
If it were me I would go down the AAT route, It is highly regarded and if you struggle getting by on your own, in what is a saturated market, then it would stand you in better stead for finding a job. The bokkeeping course look pretty good. I suppose it can come down to cost though.
You're taking a big step and have every right to be wary, but, in my opinion, ICB give you more opportunities in self-employment as a bookkeeper, without the the requirement for training to accountant level and obtaining the work experience along the way. You'll get support when making the transition from student to practicing bookkeeper, from ICB and potentially from a training provider, if you use one to qualifiy.
. I've not really done anything else like it since. I went on to train as a nurse but after a number of years decided that I needed something else. Whilst I was deciding on which direction to take I became an assistant manager in a pub for 5 years and because the hours were awful I left to take a job driving a snack van - for another 4 1/2 years. I have procrastinated for far too long!
